Showering When Camping: Stay Fresh in the Great Outdoors

Hey there fellow campers! Are you ready to get down and dirty in the great outdoors? Well, before you jump into the mud pit, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of camping – showering. Yes, my friends, even in the wild, we must find a way to keep ourselves clean(ish). So, if you’re wondering how to scrub up while surrounded by trees and mosquitoes, fear not! I’ve got you covered with some hilarious and handy tips on how to take a shower while camping. Get ready to get squeaky clean (well, sort of) without sacrificing your sense of humor or your sanity! Let’s dive in, shall we?

What do you need to have a comfortable shower when camping?

1. Find the ideal spot:

Look for a campsite with a nearby water source like a lakes or a rivers. Having access to water will make your showering when camping experience a whole lot easier. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of showering in nature?

Just don’t use any body soap with industrial chemicals near in the water source. If you feeling like you have to use those soaps, make the shower at least 200 feet away from the water sourse. In any case, use eco-friendly soap so you don’t harm the environment, and remember to pack some biodegradable shampoo and conditioner for that luscious outdoor mane!

2. Embrace the sponge bath:

If you can’t find a water source, don’t worry! A good old sponge bath can work wonders. Grab a bucket of warm water, a sponge, and some eco-friendly soap. Find a quiet spot, strip down (if you’re feeling brave), and give yourself a refreshing scrub. Just remember to keep it PG-rated in case you have any unexpected visitors!

3. Get fancy with a portable camping shower:

If you’re after a more luxurious bathing experience, invest in a portable camping shower. These nifty contraptions allow you to have a proper shower using a water reservoir and a nozzle. Simply hang it from a tree, turn on the tap, and enjoy the bliss of warm water cascading down on you. Just be careful not to get shampoo in your eyes unless you want to rock that “just cried at a romantic movie” look.

4. Fancy No.2 Portable camping ahower tent:

If you’re feeling extra fancy and want some privacy while you shower, consider investing in a portable camping shower tent. These bad boys are like your own personal changing room, complete with walls and a waterproof floor. Just pop it up, hop in, and you’ll feel like a superstar in your very own outdoor spa. Just be sure to zip up the door so no curious critters try to join you for a scrub!

5. Make the most of baby wipes:

When all else fails and you’re too lazy or too far from water to shower, baby wipes are your best friend. These little miracle wipes can freshen you up in no time. Just give yourself a wipe down, toss them in the trash, and voila! You’re clean(ish) andready to conquer the world! Plus, they’re small and lightweight, so they won’t take up much space in your backpack.

4. Public showers:

Well, if you’re camping at the campground, there are public showers, so it’s easy peasy, right?! Not so fast, my friend! Public showers at campgrounds can be hit or miss. Sometimes they’re clean and spacious, other times they’re like a scene out of a horror movie.

So, be prepared for anything! Bring your own flip flops to avoid any funky foot diseases and don’t forget your trusty shower caddy to keep all your toiletries organized. And let’s not forget the most important rule of all – bring some shower shoes, because you never know what you’ll find lurking in those communal shower stalls!

5. Keep it environmentally friendly:

I mentioned this in the previous sections: If we take a shower in nature, let’s not forget to preserve nature by using organic and natural hygiene products as much as possible. Let’s avoid harming what we love to enjoy so much.

Here you can learn more about the reccomandation on maintain personal hygiene while camping.

How do you heat water for a camping shower?

Ah, the age-old question of how to heat water for a camping shower. Well, my friend, let me enlighten you with some hilarious, yet practical, options.

First up, we have the classic “boil it in a pot” method. Just imagine yourself huddling around the campfire, eagerly waiting for that water to boil while your fellow campers start placing bets on how long it’ll take. It’s like your very own impromptu cooking show, except instead of a fancy kitchen, you’re in the great outdoors, surrounded by bugs and the sweet smell of nature.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you can always go for the “solar-powered” approach. Set up a black container filled with water in the sun, and let nature do its thing. It’s like having your own personal sun-powered hot tub, minus the bubbles and the soothing jets. Just be prepared for a lukewarm shower experience unless you’re camping in the Sahara Desert.

And finally, we have the “camping shower bag” method. These nifty little bags are designed to heat up water using the power of the sun. Just fill it up, leave it out in the sun for a few hours, and voila! You’ve got yourself a warm shower. It’s like magic, except it’s science. Plus, you can brag to your friends about your fancy shower bag and how you’re basically a camping genius.

So, my friend, there you have it – a couple of hilarious ways to heat water for your camping shower. Just remember to keep it light-hearted, embrace the adventure, and enjoy your refreshing outdoor bathing experience.

But! if you’r in more sufisticated mode, you can allwyes to purches a portable water heater to make your camping shower experience even more luxurious.

Are solar showers effective when camping?

Let me tell you about solar showers while camping. They’re like the ultimate eco-friendly bathing experience, man! Picture this: you set up this rad black bag filled with water and leave it out in the sun to work its magic. The sun’s rays heat up the water, turning it into your very own hot shower on demand. It’s like having a personal sun-powered spa. Sure, the water might not be scalding hot like your morning coffee, but it’s definitely warm enough to give you the cleansing you need after a long day of hiking and chilling by the campfire. So, if you’re looking for a good way to shower while camping, give solar showers a shot, and embrace the power of the sun.

Here the main advantages of a solar shower:

1. Simple and Easy to Use

Forget about complicated contraptions or lugging around heavy buckets of water. With a portable solar shower, all you need is a trusty water source like a nearby lake or river. Just fill up the solar shower bag, hang it somewhere sunny, and let the sun work its magic. It’s like having your own personal water heater, but way cooler (literally).

2. Eco-Friendly Cleanliness

Who said you can’t save the planet while getting squeaky clean? Portable solar showers use the power of renewable energy – the sun! By harnessing those mighty sun rays, you can scrub away your worries knowing that you’re not harming the environment. It’s a win-win situation, my friend!

3. Lightweight and Portable

When you’re out in the wilderness, every ounce counts. That’s why portable solar showers are a game-changer. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, meaning you won’t feel like you’re carrying the bathroom from your own house.

Can you use a regular shower head for a camping shower?

Let’s address a burning question: Can you use a regular shower head for a camping shower? Well, the short answer is both a yes and a no. Confusing, right? Let me explain.

While you can’t exactly lug your luxurious rain shower head from home into the wilderness, you can improvise and create your own makeshift camping shower using some basic tools. Trust me, it’s simpler than you think!

All you need is a plastic water bottle (empty, of course), a pin or needle, and some duct tape. First, poke several small holes in the bottom of the water bottle using the pin or needle. This will act as your showerhead. Then, secure the bottle to a tree branch or any elevated surface using the duct tape, ensuring that the holes are facing downwards. Finally, fill the bottle with water, give it a little squeeze, and voila! You’ve got yourself a DIY camping shower.

Solar Shower Upgrade: Grab a clear plastic bag with a sealable top, like a sturdy zip-top bag or a heavy-duty trash bag. Fill it with water and leave it out in the sun for a few hours to warm up. Then, find a suitable elevated spot to hang it from, and puncture a small hole at the bottom for a controlled shower flow. The sun-warmed water adds a touch of comfort to your outdoor shower.

Bucket Brigade: If you have a large, sealable bucket, you can create a gravity-fed shower. Fill the bucket with water and hang it from a sturdy tree limb or elevated structure. Attach a flexible hose or even a length of PVC pipe to the bottom of the bucket, and fashion a showerhead attachment at the end. As the water flows down, you’ll have a more consistent and hands-free showering while camping experience.

Now, I must warn you, this DIY showerhead won’t give you the same luxurious experience as your home shower. But hey, you’re out in the wild, embracing nature, so a little bit of roughing it is expected, right? Plus, this makeshift showerhead will still get the job done and help you rinse off all that dirt and sweat from your epic camping adventures.

Another option is to invest in a portable camping showerhead. These nifty gadgets are specifically designed for outdoor use and can easily be attached to a water source, like a solar shower or even a water jug. They often come with adjustable settings, allowing you to have a gentle mist or a more powerful spray, depending on your preference. Just make sure to check out some reviews before buying one, as not all portable camping showerheads are created equal.

For those seeking a bit more sophistication, portable camping showers with built-in water pumps and rechargeable batteries are available. These devices can draw water from various sources such as water containers or natural water bodies, and the pump provides water pressure similar to what you might experience at home. With adjustable settings, you can achieve anything from a gentle stream for rinsing to a more forceful spray for thorough cleaning.

And what about some privacy?

Well, the answer is simple. Either you are looking for a natural hideaway or you are investing in a Privacy Tent. Or a third option, you have a similar option as in the picture above, so you’re probably at some fancy camping resort.

A privacy tent is a great investment for those who want to maintain their modesty while enjoying a refreshing shower in the great outdoors. These tents are specifically designed for camping and provide a portable and private space where you can comfortably shower without worrying about prying eyes.

Setting up a privacy tent is a breeze. Most models come with easy-to-follow instructions and can be assembled in just a few minutes. Once set up, you’ll have your very own mini changing room that allows you to shower in peace and tranquility.

So, whether you’re using a DIY showerhead or a portable camping shower, a privacy tent is a must-have accessory for those who want to take their showering when camping experience to the next level. Not only will it give you the privacy you crave, but it will also make you feel like a true camping pro.

What types of water containers are suitable for a camping shower?

One of the most crucial element of your camping shower experience: the water container. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Can’t I just use a lake or river for my hygienic needs? Well, sure, if you want to risk getting caught in the crossfire of a fish fight or having a curious turtle nibble on your toes while you scrub. But no worry I have some water container suggestions that will take your shower game to the next level.

First up, we have the trusty and the reliable multi purpose buckets. It’s cheap, easy to find, and can hold a good amount of water. Plus, it’s multi-functional – you can use it for carrying firewood, collecting rainwater, or even as a makeshift stool (talk about versatility). This bad boy is a classic choice for camping showers.

And if you’re all about saving space in your camping gear, opt for a collapsible bucket. It’s like the Transformer of water containers, and you’ll feel like a camping superhero.

Next we have Collapsible Water Jug. These babies are perfect for those who want to take their camping shower game to the next level. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and can hold a decent amount of water. Plus, they usually come with a built-in spout, making it super convenient to pour water over your head without any spillage (unless you have terrible aim, in which case, Irecommend wearing a shower cap).

Another option is water bags , which are similar to water jugs but are designed to be hung from a tree or branch. They’re great for those who want a more natural showering when camping experience and don’t mind getting a little closer to nature. Just be careful not to hang it too high or you might end up with a high-pressure waterfall that will leave you feeling more like you just went through a car wash than a refreshing shower.

And there is Portable Water Containers, which come in various shapes and sizes. These containers are designed specifically for camping and are built to withstand the rough and tumble of the great outdoors. They usually have a spout or nozzle for easy pouring, and some even have handles or straps for easy carrying. So whether you’re hiking, fishing, or just chilling at your campsite, these portable water containers will have you covered when it’s time to freshen up.

For more crietive typs, Modified Pump Sprayer: If you’re feeling a bit more hands-on, you can modify a hand-pump garden sprayer to create a pressurized camping shower. Attach a showerhead to the nozzle and pressurize the container with the pump mechanism. This can provide a higher-pressure shower experience compared to gravity-fed options.

Overland shower

Let’s talk about it, showering while camping can be full of tricks for a few reasons, endeavor due to limited resources and the need for environmental consideration. However, with the right techniques and equipment, you can elevate your hygiene routine even in the remote wilderness. Overland showering introduces a whole new level of creativity to the camping while camping experience.

As mentioned earlier, the choice of water containers plays a pivotal role in the success of your camping shower. Find a creative way to put them in a high position in order to shower relatively comfortably.

Beyond the standard options, overland showering might call for additional considerations. For the off-road enthusiasts and extended adventurers, integrating a water storage system into your vehicle setup could be a game-changer. Many overlanding vehicles are equipped with rooftop tents and built-in water tanks, allowing for an on-the-go solution for showering when camping. These water storage systems can be refilled at designated points, ensuring you have a steady supply of water for showering and other needs.

Learn How to DIY Overland Shower

But the ideal option will be these portable camping shower gears options as some of them we talked about during this blog post:

In conclusion, fellow adventurers, showering while camping may not always be the most straightforward endeavor, but it’s an essential part of staying fresh and embracing the great outdoors. From DIY showerheads to high-tech portable shower systems, the options are as diverse as the landscapes you’ll explore. Remember, whether you’re using a makeshift setup, a portable shower tent, or a solar-powered shower bag, the goal is the same: to connect with nature while maintaining a semblance of cleanliness. So, as you embark on your camping escapades, don’t forget to pack your sense of humor, a dash of resourcefulness, and the knowledge that even in the wild, you can find innovative ways to enjoy a revitalizing shower. Happy camping and showering, my adventurous comrades!